Page 30 of The Virgin Duchess

The goals present then were to have his fun, learn what was necessary to become a successful businessman—and no longer have to simply rely on the safekeeping of the family wealth—and convince his father that there was no reason for him to marry.

Only a few of those things had come to fruition. He’d managed to have quite the time in university, calculating a contrived reputation that he was a bit of a rake. It still tickled Frederick that of all the rumors about him, the most long-standing was the one he’d created himself.

But while he remained unwed until Charlotte, Frederick hadnotconvinced his father that it was the best course of action. They fought about it until the day of his death.

“What might make the Baron wish to reveal himself?” Frederick looked up as Richard spoke, his brow furrowing. “Imagine yourself in his situation. What would force you to leave your place of hiding?”

Frederick scoffed, anger simmering in his veins. “Unfortunately, what he’s currently doing to me. Threatening the standing of my family.”

Richard nodded. “Of course. Still, Halfacre has no family. From everything I know about the man, he only has his money and his family estate. While he’s attended social events, he has never been particularly interested in them, and the man is rather focused during those gatherings on speaking with eligible women. He’s been in want of a bride.”

A spark lit in Frederick’s mind, and he sat up straight before leaving his chair altogether to pace about the room.

“Indeed, he has. So, what then might happen if we jeopardized his ability to secure a wife? Revealed his unsavory dealings to everyone in the ton. He’d be blacklisted and set to become an unwed miser.”

Richard was quick to follow Frederick to his feet, right on his heels enough to stop Frederick before he made a second round in front of the fireplace, his hands going to Frederick’s shoulders.

“Frederick,” Richard met his eyes hard, “you want to spread rumors about the Baron of Halfacre? Are you sure that it is wise?”

He understood his friend’s concern, but this was not the time to be playing nice with the enemy. He couldn’t allow that man to harm his sister, and if it was not this, Frederick simply couldn’t see another way to draw the man out of hiding.

Shaking his head, Frederick stepped back, removing himself from Richard’s hands. “They might be rumors, Richard, but they will not be falsehoods. You and I both know how unacceptable of a man Halfacre truly is. It is time he faced what he’s put out into the city and reaped the consequences.”

Regarding Frederick, Richard cocked his head, then turned his attention to the floor. Several moments of silence passed between them, and Frederick began to wonder if Richard wouldindeed back off from this course of action and leave him to draw Halfacre out on his own.

Then, after a heavy breath, Richard met his eyes once more and nodded.

“Very well. You know, I have no great love for the ton and their scandal sheets, but perhaps we can set them to serve a good purpose, even if unknowingly. Halfacre has made several enemies of the ton’s assemblage. It should not take too much effort on our part before we see word start spreading once again about his past misdeeds. Time may have glossed over them, but a new light on them will bring his indiscretions out of the shadows.”

“And, hopefully, his presence as well.” Frederick reached out across the short space to Richard, offering a hand. “Thank you, Richard. You are, as always, a consummate friend and confidant.”

Richard took his hand and shook it, bringing him forward for a brotherly pound on Frederick’s back.

“How shall we begin? There is little effectiveness in simply wandering about and spreading these truths to any passerby we might encounter.”

Frederick nodded. “Indeed. Though…”

He considered the notion, pulling information from his brain like pulling teeth. He’d heard Charlotte mention something earlier when he had only been half-listening. What had she said before their sudden falling out with each other?

“I believe there is another ball to be had quite soon. Though I am loathe to go to them, as you know, it might be the perfect place to deliver the truth to the ton.”

Richard grinned with one side of his mouth, a smirk Frederick had seen him wear when he was being particularly devious.

“And with them heavy into their cups, word will spread quickly.”

His somber mood lightening, Frederick smiled back at his friend, sitting back down. He noticed the small bottle of brandy and the two glasses that had been left on a small table near the seat, and Frederick took care to pour himself and his friend a hefty splash of the deep amber liquid.

Richard accepted the drink graciously, and they clinked their glasses together in a silent toast. They had a plan, a fine one at that, and soon that cursed Halfacre would be driven into the light. Frederick would finally be able to catch the bastard and make him pay for his threats to his family.

“Now then,” Richard interjected, interrupting Frederick’s thoughts, “as that is settled. Tell me about how it is going at home with your new wife. We’ve hardly spoken of the matter, and I’ll admit being especially curious.”

Frederick stiffened. He’d hoped to avoid this conversation—indefinitely. Charlotte was furious with him for giving her no indication of what had been going on with the Baron. While Richard could trust him enough to believe that the situation demanded the secrecy and severity Frederick put forth, Charlotte had no reason to do so.

“That…that is a story for another time, I’m afraid,” Frederick spoke through a tight jaw. “I shall say that we are at odds at present. Though, if this situation with Halfacre resolves quickly and to my benefit, I am sure we can sort out the manner swiftly.”

Richard eyed him, offering a sarcastic grin that sent a lance through Frederick’s chest.

“Oh, Freddie, my dear friend. I say this as a recent convert to the ways of marriage. Don’t put off speaking to your wife. It never ends well.”

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